Junior Cadet Program
Foundation Staff, Junior Cadet Program Consultants, and MPD School Resource Officers
Many young people that participate in DC Police Foundation funded programs live in communities where opportunities are scarcely available, and parents may be unable to provide support and challenges that nurture hope and confidence necessary for achievement. Stress factors in these home environments can be toxic and erode healthy development and learning ability for young people. They can produce parenting behaviors that are harsh and neglectful and often create strained relationships, hostile systems and ultimately interpersonal violence. The longer young people remain in these environments without intervention, the more likely they will become involved in crime and violence, discontinue their education, and come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
However, once a juvenile has encountered the legal system, or fails to complete their education, they will also no longer qualify for many other opportunities - including the Police Cadet Training Program, which is fully funded by the MPD.
The Police Cadet Training Program provides education, training and experience in the field of law enforcement to qualified individuals between the ages of 17 to 21 who are enrolled in a DC high school, or have a GED, and want to pursue a career with the MPD. The program is designed to prepare candidates for entrance into the MPD Recruit Program. This amazing program provides a beginning salary of $25,000, medical benefits, and full college tuition at the University of the District of Columbia. (The program is designed for two years, but many students must complete extra remedial English and Math to pass the placement test).
Despite these amazing benefits, which are unavailable in most career paths – many slots go unfilled because so many young people between the ages of 17 to 21 do not meet the minimum program requirements. Program requirements include: enrollment in a DC High School; comprehensive background investigation including medical, psychological and drug screening; acceptable assessment of high school/college academic records; college proficiency exam administered by UDC; valid driver’s license; possession of high moral character, etc.
As an article by Washington Post Staff Writer Lonnae O’Neal Parker pointed out in November of 2007 “Will Jonathan Graduate” – students often lose focus when they reach high school even if they previously have stellar performance. But according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, children who spend as little as one to four hours per week in extracurricular activities will benefit from these experiences. The biggest impact is seen with children who are from poverty or are at-risk. The programs of the DC Police Foundation provide experiences and opportunities that many children from middle and upper classes typically are afforded through family contact.
The Washington DC Police Foundation’s newest program is one we hope to be a national model. The Junior Cadet Program will target fifth grade Public School students at two selected schools, Seaton Elementary School and Winston Education Center. This program will serve as a gateway to the Cadet Program by stewarding and keeping participants focused on their education and future goals. We will build character, foster relationships between the MPD and the community, and keep young participants interested in law enforcement.
The 40 week curriculum includes lessons on the history and mission and responsibilities of the MPD, life skills development, prevention of drug abuse and violent behavior and academic achievement. There will also be scheduled field trips to various places of interest throughout the school year. The Junior Cadet Program will be taught by MPD Employees and community partners in business and the nonprofit community. The Junior Cadet program will encompass assistance provided by representatives of other nonprofit organizations and utilize their expertise and resources to assist parents and grandparents with the challenging environmental issues of raising children in high poverty and crime areas.
However, once a juvenile has encountered the legal system, or fails to complete their education, they will also no longer qualify for many other opportunities - including the Police Cadet Training Program, which is fully funded by the MPD.
The Police Cadet Training Program provides education, training and experience in the field of law enforcement to qualified individuals between the ages of 17 to 21 who are enrolled in a DC high school, or have a GED, and want to pursue a career with the MPD. The program is designed to prepare candidates for entrance into the MPD Recruit Program. This amazing program provides a beginning salary of $25,000, medical benefits, and full college tuition at the University of the District of Columbia. (The program is designed for two years, but many students must complete extra remedial English and Math to pass the placement test).
Despite these amazing benefits, which are unavailable in most career paths – many slots go unfilled because so many young people between the ages of 17 to 21 do not meet the minimum program requirements. Program requirements include: enrollment in a DC High School; comprehensive background investigation including medical, psychological and drug screening; acceptable assessment of high school/college academic records; college proficiency exam administered by UDC; valid driver’s license; possession of high moral character, etc.
As an article by Washington Post Staff Writer Lonnae O’Neal Parker pointed out in November of 2007 “Will Jonathan Graduate” – students often lose focus when they reach high school even if they previously have stellar performance. But according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, children who spend as little as one to four hours per week in extracurricular activities will benefit from these experiences. The biggest impact is seen with children who are from poverty or are at-risk. The programs of the DC Police Foundation provide experiences and opportunities that many children from middle and upper classes typically are afforded through family contact.
The Washington DC Police Foundation’s newest program is one we hope to be a national model. The Junior Cadet Program will target fifth grade Public School students at two selected schools, Seaton Elementary School and Winston Education Center. This program will serve as a gateway to the Cadet Program by stewarding and keeping participants focused on their education and future goals. We will build character, foster relationships between the MPD and the community, and keep young participants interested in law enforcement.
The 40 week curriculum includes lessons on the history and mission and responsibilities of the MPD, life skills development, prevention of drug abuse and violent behavior and academic achievement. There will also be scheduled field trips to various places of interest throughout the school year. The Junior Cadet Program will be taught by MPD Employees and community partners in business and the nonprofit community. The Junior Cadet program will encompass assistance provided by representatives of other nonprofit organizations and utilize their expertise and resources to assist parents and grandparents with the challenging environmental issues of raising children in high poverty and crime areas.
Foundation Staff, Junior Cadet Program Consultants, and MPD School Resource Officers
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Washington DC Police Foundation
1156 15th Street, N.W., Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20005
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone:202-481-3270
We are a 501(c)3 organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law
We are a 501(c)3 organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law
Charitable Registration #41-2250114
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